FCB Nyasa Bullets are through to the 2025 FDH Bank Cup semi-finals after edging Kamuzu Barracks (KB) 2–1 in a tightly contested quarter-final at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Forward Ephraim Kondowe opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, connecting superbly to a Peter Banda cross.
The winger had raced down the left flank before delivering a pinpoint ball that Kondowe calmly slotted past goalkeeper Hastings Banda.
Just two minutes later, Hassan Kajoke doubled the lead, capitalising on a defensive lapse.
KB lost possession deep in their half, allowing Bullets to exchange a quick series of passes before Kondowe turned provider, setting up Kajoke to finish neatly.
However, Bullets’ joy was short-lived.
Four minutes later, KB halved the deficit through Olson Kanjira, who beat Richard Chimbamba from close range after a fine assist from Steve Kanong’ona to make it 2–1 before the break.
At half-time, Bullets coach Peter Mponda made tactical changes, introducing Mike Mkwate and Wongani Lungu for Bright Munthali and Frank Willard, respectively.
His opposite number, Nicholas Mhango, responded by bringing in John Mchema for Samson Chiponda while Gerald Chirwa replaced Samuel Gunda.
Bullets later introduced Aaron Chilipa for Yankho Singo, but the substitution appeared to tilt momentum in KB’s favour.
The visitors dominated the midfield exchanges, mounting relentless pressure on Bullets’ defence.
Kanjira nearly levelled in the 60th minute with a powerful long-range strike, but Chimbamba produced a brilliant fingertip save to deny him.
Bullets also had a chance to bury the game, but Kondowe was denied by Hastingd Banda in one-one-on duel.
Kondowe and Peter Banda later paved the way for Yamikani Mologeni and Gastin Phodo.
Despite KB’s late surge and several missed opportunities, Bullets held on to secure their place in the semi-finals.
The victory sees the defending champions move one step closer to reaching another FDH Bank Cup final as they await the winner between Mighty Wanderers and Creck Sporting Club.
In a post-match interview, Mponda admitted having struggled to contain the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers.
On his part, Mhango hailed his charges performance, especially in the second-half when they gave Bullets no chance.
